What must researchers ensure when designing consent procedures for studies involving adolescents?

When designing consent procedures for studies involving adolescents, it is essential for researchers to obtain both parental permission and adolescent assent. This dual requirement is rooted in ethical considerations. Parental permission ensures that guardians are aware of the research and have the opportunity to give informed consent on behalf of their children. Simultaneously, adolescent assent acknowledges the emerging autonomy of young participants, allowing them to understand the nature of the study and agree to participate, in a manner that respects their developing capacity to make decisions.

Balancing parental involvement and the adolescent's willingness to participate is crucial for ethical research practices, as it helps protect the rights and welfare of younger participants. Obtaining assent respects adolescents' ability to express their views and fosters their engagement in the research process. Researchers emphasize this approach to reinforce the significance of informed participation among minors, adhering to prevailing ethical guidelines and regulations in human subject research.